For a CBRN R&S element, the minimum number of personnel required is:

• A. Two
• B. One
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (A)

In CBRN reconnaissance and sampling, you need a buddy system to handle the hazardous environment safely. Having two personnel allows one person to perform the field observations and monitor the environment while the other manages protective equipment, records readings, and handles decontamination and communication tasks. This setup provides immediate support if a casualty occurs, equipment fails, or a decontamination step is needed, and it lets tasks be split so safety checks aren’t skipped. One person cannot reliably cover all these duties while maintaining safe operations in a potentially contaminated area, so the minimum staffing is two.